Preparation for Your Off‑Road Ride in Spain

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Preparing for Off‑Road Riding in Spain - What Our Riders Should Bring and How to Get Ready

If you’re joining us at TrailbikeTours, you’re in for some of the best off‑road riding Spain has to offer. Our base in Aragón sits at around 560 metres of elevation, surrounded by rugged hills, open trails, and dramatic scenery — and we’re only about an hour from the coast, which means the weather can change quickly and keep things interesting. Riders who arrive prepared always get the most out of their time here, so this guide is designed specifically for you, our guests, to help you know exactly what to bring and how to get ready before you arrive.

What to Pack for Your TrailbikeTours Adventure

Technical Riding Gear

Most of our clients fly in with hand luggage only, and that’s absolutely fine — we provide , including helmets, upper‑body protection, kneepads, motocross T‑shirts, trousers, gloves, and boots. This means riders are fully protected even if they don’t bring any of their own kit.

If you prefer to bring your own gear, you’re very welcome to. A well‑ventilated helmet is ideal for our climate, and sturdy off‑road boots with good ankle support make a big difference on rocky ground. Goggles are important too, as the trails can get dusty.

We don’t provide rain gear, so if you’d like an extra layer for unexpected weather, a light windcheater‑style jacket that can be stuffed into your backpack is a handy option to bring along.

Many riders also bring a GoPro or similar action camera. Since most of our helmets already have GoPro mounts fitted, you can clip your camera on and start filming straight away. Riders who enjoy aerial footage are also welcome to bring a drone.

Hydration and Nutrition

Our riding days are full and varied, and although we take plenty of breaks, the dry air and physical effort can catch people out. A hydration pack is the easiest way to stay topped up, and we recommend bringing electrolyte tablets if you’re not used to riding in warm, dry conditions. Snacks like nuts or energy bars are handy for quick fuel between sections.

Navigation and Communication

You won’t need to navigate — that’s our job — but having your phone with offline maps and a power bank is always sensible when travelling.

Personal Essentials

A few small items make your trip more comfortable:

• Sunglasses

• High‑factor sunscreen

• Lip balm

• A European power adapter

• A bit of cash for rural cafés/bars

These are the things our riders most often say they’re glad they brought.

Tools and Spares (Independent Riders Only)

If you’re riding with us, you can skip this section — we handle all mechanical support, carry all tools, and look after the bikes. Independent riders exploring Spain on their own will need tyre levers, tubes, a pump, chain lube, and basic tools, but our guests don’t need to worry about any of that.

How Our Riders Should Prepare Before the Trip

Build a Little Riding Fitness

You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy our tours, but off‑road riding uses muscles you might not use every day. A bit of leg and core strength, plus some light cardio, goes a long way. Even a couple of weeks of gentle preparation helps you stay relaxed and confident on the bike.

Know the Terrain and Weather

Our region offers a fantastic mix of surfaces and scenery, and the conditions can change quickly. Being inland at 560 metres gives us crisp mornings and warm afternoons, while being close to the coast means  systems can roll in faster than you might expect. Spring and autumn are ideal, winter is cool and beautiful, and summer brings heat but also clear skies and dry trails.

We tailor each day’s route to the conditions and to your group’s ability, so you’ll always be riding terrain that suits your level.

Understand Local Riding Etiquette

We take care of all the route planning and legality, but it’s still good to know the basics. Spain is off‑road friendly, but we always slow down near walkers, livestock, or farm tracks, and we keep noise low when passing through villages. Carrying ID is required, and you must also bring your international driving licence. It’s something riders occasionally forget, but it’s essential for riding legally in Spain.

Bring Your EHIC or GHIC Card

If you’re coming from the UK or another eligible European country, it’s a good idea to bring your EHIC or GHIC card. These cards give you access to state‑provided healthcare in Spain, and while we hope you’ll never need it, it’s a simple, lightweight thing to pack that can make life much easier in the unlikely event of an injury or medical issue.

Prepare Mentally for the Adventure

Our clients often tell us that off‑road riding here is more immersive and rewarding than they expected. The days are full, the terrain is varied, and the scenery is spectacular. Come with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to try new things, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Ready for Your Ride?

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Aragón. With the right preparation, you’ll enjoy every kilometre of your time with us. At  we provide the bikes, the gear, the routes, the guide, the fuel, lunch, and comfortable farmhouse bed‑and‑breakfast accommodation - along with all the support you need. You just bring your enthusiasm.

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A rugged, dramatic inland Natural Park, covering the most mountainous regions of Aragon, Catalonia and Valencia regions.

Matarraña

With it's traditional towns and villages, it's vineyards and terraced olive groves, Matarraña is often compared with Tuscany.

Maestrazgo

A sparsely-populated mountainous area on the eastern side of the Sistema Ibérico, rich in history, scenery and dirt trails!!

Terra Alta

A comarca (county) in the mountainous western area of Catalonia, producing some of the best Spanish wine.